Carol

This was so stunning. So many things are great with this film. Visually, it looks very nice- the tunnel scene near the start is so cool. The film places a lot of green throughout the movie; perhaps signaling the envy the others (particularly men) have for Therese and Carol’s relationship, also potentially signaling their (homophobic) disgust. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are incredible as Carol Aird and Therese Belivent, especially Cate. Their chemistry is palpable. They are just so believable, so good. They feel realistic. The plot too was great. Genuinely was surprising to see that Harges, Carol’s ex, hired a private investigator to spy on her and Therese. It was heartbreaking to see that her relationship with her daughter Rindy, who she loved very much, was in danger due to Carol loving another woman, a “morality clause” to divorce. I didn’t realize until they showed at the end that it was non-linear storytelling about how Carol and Therese ended up at that restaurant table. I was just entranced in the film. The “we are not ugly people” monologue is also great. Just really frustrating to watch (in a good way), loved the ending where Carol and Therese lock eyes with one another and their fire is reignited. I do find it interesting they highlight Therese’s arc of being a “yes” woman to having the power to say no, to then ultimately go back to Carol, although I think it implies our imperfect nature (and makes for a better ending).